WHAT IS FAMILY FACILITATION?

Family Facilitation is a conflict resolution strategy that allows parents, co-parents, grand-parents, any kind of parent, to come to an agreement about what is in the best interest of the children.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Family Facilitators are licensed professionals with specific training in alternative dispute resolution, family dynamics, and domestic violence. Facilitators can talk with parents, professionals, children, anyone involved in coming to a resolution. Typically, each party pays for their own time. However, its acceptable for one party to fund the entire process.

WHAT IF MY CO-PARENT WON’T PARTICIPATE?

It is unusual for this to happen. Family facilitators are allowed to testify in custody cases. This tends to be a powerful motivator to participate in good faith. No one wants a court appointed facilitator to go before a judge and say they weren’t cooperative.

HOW MUCH IS THE FINANCIAL INVESTMENT?

Each facilitator sets their own fees. It is important to know that the average facilitation is less than $1000 while the average custody litigation is over $10,000.00.  A successful facilitation can protect you from the burden of a court battle. For a list of potential facilitators, check out the Find a Mediator or Facilitator page.

IS IT ENFORCEABLE BY A COURT?

Yes and No. Every custody decree says possession will occur as the parties agree. Facilitation is a process that allows parents to come to a mutual agreement. While a court cannot enforce an informal agreement, they can modify court orders to reflect the agreement if it is in the best interest of the children. We recommend you contact your attorney to inquire about the enforceability of your agreement.

CAN WE USE FACILITATION DURING AN ONGOING COURT CASE?

Absolutely! In fact, when parties are able to come to agreement among each other, it saves thousands of dollars in contested litigation costs.

CAN I BECOME A PARENTING FACILITATOR? 

Each state has its own requirements for parenting facilitators.  In Texas, you must hold a license with the State Bar of Texas as an attorney or the Board Health Executive Committee as a therapist or social worker. If you are in good standing with your licensing board, then all you need is the training course!